2026 Spring Fling in Chicago

JUNIORS IMPROMPTU RULES 

                   

1. You must pick three topics set out on the table by one of the judges.

2. You must choose one topic quickly as “prep-time” (thinking time) begins when you take the topics from the table. “Prep-time” lasts for three minutes.

3. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker draws and will give auditory countdown signals every minute until three minutes of prep time have elapsed. Unused preparation time may not be added to the speaking time.

4. No outside sources may be brought into the room other than a blank piece of paper. You may write notes during “prep-time,” but you cannot use them during your speaking time. 

5. The chosen topic paper may be held and quoted from during the speech but no notes may be written on the chosen topic paper.

6. No visual aids or props may be used.

7. You must state your name.

8. You must state your topic somewhere near the beginning of your speech.

9. Each speech should adhere to the chosen topic, while demonstrating originality and creativity. 

10. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

11. You may not watch any other speakers before you, only those that compete afterwards.

12. The judge will set aside the chosen topic after the speech, so that it is not chosen again.

13. Each speech may be a maximum of three minutes. There is no minimum time.

 

Preparation time – Three (3) minutes. 

Speaking time limit - Three (3) minutes maximum.  No minimum time.

 

JUNIOR INTERPRETATION RULES

 

1. You may use traditionally published literature, literature published on the internet, or original writing. Examples include: prose, poetry, short stories, plays, historical speeches, children's books (no script submission is required).

2.  Selections may be humorous, dramatic, or a combination of the two. 

3. Media transcription from movies, television, or tape recordings are not allowed.

4. The title(s) and author(s) of the selection(s) must be introduced near the beginning of the speech and may follow a teaser or other background information. 

5. You must state your name.

6. No props, costumes, audiovisuals, or vulgarity is allowed.

7. Limited singing and dancing is permitted, but must be purposeful and motivated by the literature.

8. Only your feet are permitted to touch the floor.

9. If performing a DUO Interpretation, you must not touch or look at your partner. Also, lines should be shared as equally as possible between partners.

10. Memorization is encouraged but there is no automatic penalty for using a script. 

11. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker finishes. No hand signals will be given.

 

Speaking time limit - up to seven (7) minutes maximum. There is no minimum time.

 

JUNIOR PLATFORM RULES      

 

1. Each speech must be original to the student with only 30% of the total speech being direct quotes. All direct quotations and primary sources must be cited verbally within the body of the speech. The use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden.

2. Memorization is encouraged.

3. For a Persuasive, the student must be trying to persuade their audience of something. An Original Oratory can be on any topic and can inform, entertain, and motivate. An Expository is a speech to inform that uses visual aids.

4. If performing an Expository: you may only use as many props as you can carry into the room by yourself. You may explain or demonstrate a method, object, or idea. You may use picture boards as well as physical props to enhance your speech. Music and other audio recordings are allowed. 

5. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker has concluded his speech.

 

Speaking time limit - up to seven (7) minutes maximum. There is no minimum time.

 

Rules Specific to an Expository Speech:

1. The speaker may use visual aids. Audio aids and effects may be used to enhance the speech. 

2. The speaker must set up his/her own props (and any other aids) without the assistance of anyone else. 

3. No setting up is allowed during the judges’ evaluation time between speakers. 

4. Students may set down their props when they get to the front of the room. All other setup and cleanup must occur within the time limit of the speech. 

5. Special clothing related to the speech may be put on, or displayed, and taken off, or hidden, during the course of the speech. 

6. The speaking area must be left in the same condition as it was prior to the speech. 

7. Use of weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices is prohibited. 

8. Nothing may be distributed or offered to the judges or audience members. 

9. People and live animals may not be used as aids in the speech. 

10. Gratuitous vulgarity is strictly prohibited.

 

JUNIOR APOLOGETICS RULES                      

                               

1. The Apologetics topic will be prepared ahead of time and must be chosen from the list below.

2. Prepare two speeches and give a different speech for each round.

3. For the topic you choose, you will be expected to define and explain the attribute of God in terms you can understand and its importance to yourself.

4.  You may use 4 x 6 cards during your speech.

5. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins to speak and will end the time at the completion of the speech.

6. No visual aids or props may be used.

7. You must state your name.

8. You must state your topic somewhere near the beginning of your speech.

9. Each speech should adhere to the chosen topic, while demonstrating originality and creativity. The use of outside sources is permitted.

10. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

11. Each speech may be a maximum of five (5) minutes. There is no minimum time.

 

Speaking time limit - Five (5) minutes maximum.  No minimum time.

 

APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS:

1. Who is God?
2. Does Heaven exist?
3. Why did God create man?
4. Who wrote the Bible?
5. What is sin?
6. Why does God love me?
7. Why did Jesus die on the cross?
8. Where is Jesus today?
9. How do we know that what the Bible says is true?
10. Why is it important to study God’s Word?
11. What is the purpose of prayer?
12. Is God everywhere (omnipresent)? What does that
    mean?